flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• adulation
• blarney
• butter
• flannel [British]
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes my brother steals my puns, which should be the greatest form of flattery. —Elana Rabinowitz, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

So much so, in fact, that schoolchildren have started using her name as a form of flattery. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 8 May 2025

Excessive flattery or formality can actually reduce response quality. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Imitation is considered the sincerest form of flattery, and that seemed to be the case during a Jeopardy!-inspired sketch on Saturday Night Live's 50th-anniversary special. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere